• Defender says he is ‘incredibly ambitious’ and wants European football• Hits back at suggestions he refused to train for the club

Virgil van Dijk has handed in a transfer request as he looks to force his way out of Southampton.

The centre-half, who has been linked with moves to Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea during the summer transfer window, says he is ‘insulted’ by suggestions that he has refused to train for the club. Last month, the 26-year-old saw a dream move to Liverpool collapse with Southampton reporting the Anfield club to the Premier League for an alleged illegal approach. Liverpool were forced into a grovelling apology and, in a bid to defuse the situation, promised they would back away from the former Celtic man.